Rozine LaFran Owens, affectionately known as ''Rose'' and ''First Born,'' passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Gardner Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Star City. Rozine entered the world as a beautiful 2 pound preemie on Sunday, November 27th, 1955, in Monticello. She was the cherished first-born daughter of Fern Robiezine and Elvin ''Buddy Love'' Owens, Sr. Rose was a loving and affectionate woman, an educator, musician, and a devoted Christian believer and worshipper.
Rose graduated from Monticello High School in 1973, where she was active in the band and the majorette line. Her exceptional skills as a majorette earned her the title of ''Featured Twirler,'' where she famously twirled the "fire baton." Known for her dancing skills, the ''robot'' was one of her signature moves. Rose also participated in various school clubs, including the Future Homemakers of America and the Student Council, where she served as treasurer her senior year.
In 1972, Rozine attended AR Girls State and was a member of the Monticello High School homecoming court her senior year.
After high school, Rozine pursued her undergraduate education in early childhood education at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), graduating in 1977. At UAM, Rose was active on the campus scene, joining the Soul Society club, playing in the band, and being part of the 1975 Homecoming Court. She made history as the first African American female contestant to place in the top three of the Ms. UAM Pageant, finishing as the second runner-up. Rose was also honored in a UAM news article recognizing outstanding black students. She was the winner of the Ms. B.O.S.S pageant (Black Organization of Student Services) where her singing talents shined through with her rendition of Billie Holiday's "God Bless the Child." Her pageant career did not end there. She was also named Miss Black Heritage in 1977. In addition, Rozine competed for a place on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad in 1979. She was amongst 1500 hopefuls, and she made it to the semi-final round. Rozine's love of pageants, and dedication to music and performance also inspired her younger sister, Toni, to follow in her footsteps.
Rozine began her teaching career as a kindergarten teacher at Hugh Goodwin Elementary School in the Eldorado School District. She forged very special relationships with several of her teaching colleagues, Joan Cunningham, Lynn Dixon, Gennette Graham, Elaine Manning, Linda McVay, and Claudia Stevenson: They were known as the ''Gator Girls'', where you saw one, you typically saw the other. In the spirit of continuing to grow and learn, Rose later completed her master's degree in education from the University of Arkansas Fayetteville. Rose's passion for education and her students marked her celebrated career in teaching, culminating in her retirement from Eldorado Public Schools after 28 years of outstanding service.
An accomplished musician and pianist, Rose served as the church musician at two congregations. She was a proud member, choir member, and pianist of First Missionary Baptist Church in Monticello, where she committed her life to the Lord at an early age. She also served as pianist at United Baptist Church of Eldorado for 20 years, continuing her service until her illness prevented her from continuing those duties.
In her leisure time, Rose enjoyed watching game shows (Family Feud and The Price is Right were two of her favorites) and visiting area casinos for relaxation during her retirement.
Rose was preceded in death by her father, Elvin ''Buddy Love'' Owens Sr., her paternal grandmother, Genevieve Stewart, and her maternal grandparents, Elvin and Iwilda Gragg.
Rose is survived by her beloved mother and best friend, Fern Robiezine Owens; brother Elvin ''Little Buddy'' Owens, Jr. (Deborah) of Silver Spring, Md.; and sister, First Lady Dr.Toni ''Shirley Temple'' Brown (Pastor Craig) of Frisco, Texas. She is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors, and former co-workers. Although Rose never married or had children of her own, she cherished her numerous nieces and nephews: Tremikae (Mickey Mouse), Elvin III (Bud), Jovanni (Sisco), Ryan, Jamie (Pretty Eyes), Taelor (Angel), Willy (Joe Louis), and Omare (Pretty Boy); along with six great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 564 N Bailey Street, in Monticello.
